KNOXVILLE — Snapshots of the summer for Tennessee football players include plenty of laughs and smiles — a white-water rafting trip, weekends on the beach, a barbecue and pool party at a coach’s house.

Associate head coach and defensive line coach Steve Stripling said the team bonding was important, but added there was grueling work to do, too.

Like nearly all major college football teams, the Vols endured regular workouts under the supervision of the strength and conditioning staff and even underwent a series of military-style boot camps by visiting current and former military personnel.

Stripling hopes the preparation will help the Vols ready for the start of fall camp. Players officially report on Thursday. The first practice session is Friday.